Dynamic WHL blueliner leads the Top 24-and-under Sabres players and prospects Tier VI
21: Mats Lindgren, D/Red Deer Rebels
Mats Lindgren was an incredible value pick in 2022, and you couldn’t help but appreciate his skills in the offensive zone. He had 44 points and five goals in 68 regular season games the year he was drafted, and after a so-so season in 2022-23, his numbers have since swung upward following a seven-goal, 41-point outing in 63 contests plus another five points in nine playoff games.
Lindgren is one of those blueliners who can always threaten to play like a forward in the offensive zone, so the question was more about how well he could improve his play when not in possession of the puck and become a complete player.
Doing so would mean either A, Lindgren finds his way onto the Rochester Americans roster, continues to improve, and ends up in Buffalo years down the road. Or B, Kevyn Adams moves him elsewhere thanks to an increase in his overall value.
Luckily for the Sabres, Lindgren started the process of improving defensively last season, and it’s a trend that has continued in 2023-24. Lindgren can skyrocket in these rankings if his defensive play improves to the point that he signs and ends up in Rochester. Should he ink an entry-level deal this summer, there is little doubt he will play for the Amerks in 2024-25.
feed
(Statistics provided by Elite-Prospects)